Modular BOP Actuator Side-by-Side Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil well blow-out preventer control systems are bulky and heavy due to the arrangement of pneumatic actuator cylinders along a common axis, requiring wide and heavy control apparatuses for manual backup operability, which limits their compactness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular control apparatus featuring novel double-action pneumatic actuators and hydraulic valve assemblies with a compact hydraulic manifold and remote air panel, allowing for side-by-side mounting of actuator and valve assemblies, reducing the footprint and weight by orienting pneumatic actuators in a parallel, side-by-side configuration and utilizing a remotely located air control panel for manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pneumatic actuator cylinders are arranged along a common axis for manual backup operability, then the control apparatus can be operated manually, but the apparatus becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional axial arrangement of pneumatic actuator cylinders to a parallel side-by-side configuration. This dimensional reorganization allows the actuators to be mounted in a more compact footprint, reducing the overall size and weight of the control apparatus while preserving manual backup operability through the remotely located air control panel
2Ease of operation
If pneumatic actuator cylinders are arranged along a common axis, then manual backup operability is achieved, but the control apparatus becomes wide and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the spatial arrangement of pneumatic actuator cylinders from a linear axial layout to a parallel side-by-side configuration. This dimensional change consolidates the apparatus into a more compact footprint, reducing the area occupied while maintaining manual backup operability through remote air control panel operation
3Weight of stationary object
If a compact hydraulic manifold and side-by-side actuator configuration are used, then the control apparatus becomes more compact and lightweight, but the complexity of mounting and assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs modular actuator assemblies that can be independently manufactured and then assembled onto the hydraulic manifold. This segmentation allows for simplified production of individual components while achieving the overall compact configuration, reducing the complexity of manufacturing compared to producing the entire assembly as a single integrated unit
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables a more compact and lightweight control apparatus that maintains operational efficiency while allowing for easier mounting of multiple assemblies, reducing the overall size and weight of the blow-out preventer control system.
Implementation Method 1
double-action pneumatic actuators and hydraulic valve assemblies
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic valve assemblies and a compact hydraulic manifold
Data Source
AI summary
A modular apparatus for controlling flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid to and from opening and closing hydraulic actuator cylinders of oil and gas well blow-out preventers (BOP's), utilizes novel rotary hydraulic valve/actuator assemblies, each of which uses a pair of integral double-acting pneumatic actuator cylinders that drive a rack gear coupled to a spur gear located inside the actuator housing which is fixed to a valve rotor shaft that protrudes forward from the valve housing and protrudes through an outer wall of the housing and has a manually operable handle attached thereto, thus enabling multiple valve/actuator assemblies to be mounted in a close side-by-side arrangement to an hydraulic manifold. An air control manifold panel for remotely energizing the pneumatic actuator cylinders includes opening and closing push button control valves on an air manifold connected through air hoses to the actuator cylinders.